Noble Foundation Junior Beef Excellence Program Guidelines

Participant Eligibility
The 2009 Noble Foundation Junior Beef Excellence Program is open to 4-H and FFA steer exhibitors who show their steers and abide by the rules and regulations of their county show in Carter, Garvin, Jefferson, Johnston, Love, Marshall, Murray or Stephens County in Oklahoma. Steers must be shown at the spring livestock show in their respective county to be eligible for the contest. The Noble Foundation will make final decisions related to eligibility of participants.

Fall Entry and Weigh-In
All steers must be entered, weighed and permanently identified with an EID tag and retinal scan on November 15, 2008. There is no weight requirement in the fall; however, steers weighing less than 700 pounds in the fall may have difficulty making the minimum spring weight. Participants should make certain their steers are eligible to show in their respective county show.

Spring Delivery
All steers must be halter-broke and gentle. Steers and exhibitors will be photographed at the Spring Delivery. Steers must be set-up for both side and rear views. Unruly steers not capable of set-up for photography will be disqualified. The Spring Delivery will be Saturday, March 14, 2009 at the Noble Foundation's Pasture Demonstration Farm.

Steers must weigh at least 1,000 pounds at the Spring Delivery. There is no maximum spring weight; however, we suggest steers weigh less than 1,375 pounds to avoid a potential heavy weight discount from the packer.

Proper Feed and Drug Use
Use of any unauthorized drug, compound or feed ingredient on any steer is strictly prohibited. These steers are drug tested prior to slaughter. Any drug residue can jeopardize an individual steer's payment as well as the future of this program. Participants and parent/guardian must verify proper drug use at delivery.

Official Carcass Placing will be determined by a university meats specialist. Placing will be market driven (based on current market value of carcasses). The Noble Foundation does not purchase participant's steers but negotiates with the packer for the best possible price. Participants will be paid based on the value of their steer as determined by the packer. There is no price guarantee; however, past pricing has been equitable.

Prize Monies
The Noble Foundation will award prize monies as follows:

1st - $2,500     6th - $950
2nd - $2,000     7th - $900
3rd - $1,500     8th - $850
4th - $1,250     9th - $800
5th - $1,000     10th - $750

In addition, the exhibitor of the winning steer will receive a champion jacket.

Questions
If you have questions, contact Shan Ingram at the Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401; phone: 580.223.5810; fax: 580.224.6420.

Junior Beef Excellence Program 2009 Entry Form
2009 Junior Beef Excellence Program Fall Weigh-In Information
Junior Beef Excellence Program Home Page